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Commercial Dog Import: African

Swine Fever (ASF) Federal Order

FAQs

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Do the ASF restrictions apply to all dog imports?

No. Only dogs for commercial resale or adoption from ASF-affected countries must

comply with these requirements. Check for countries where ASF and other diseases

are known to exist.

Where can I find the documents I need to fill out?

When the import permit is issued by APHIS Animal Care, you will be provided with

the Dog Import Record, which is to be completed and submitted back to APHIS

through eFile within 2 business days of the dogs’ arrival in the United States. The

Dog Import Record will contain guidance on how to submit the completed

documents to APHIS.

What type of dog bedding can be used?

Various types of bedding are acceptable (for example, training pads, blankets), but

bedding must be free of dirt, wood shavings, hay, straw, or any other organic/natural

bedding material.

How should dog bedding be disposed of?
All bedding that accompanies the dog(s) during transit must be properly disposed of

at the post-entry point(s) of concentration in a way that prevents the introduction or

spread of ASF. Disposal methods may include:

incineration; or

disinfecting the bedding with an APHIS-approved disinfectant, placing the

bedding in a leakproof bag, sealing the bag, disinfecting the bag exterior with

an APHIS-approved disinfectant, inserting the disinfected bag into another

leakproof bag, sealing that bag, disinfecting the bag exterior with the same

disinfectant product, and disposing of the bag in a landfill in accordance with all

State and local regulations. 

Do the microchips need to be scanned at the U.S. port of entry (airport of arrival in the United

States)?

No. The animals are not required to be microchipped prior to arrival to the United

States. The dog’s microchip must be scanned just prior to being bathed, and this

number recorded on the Dog Import Record. If the dog had an International

Organization for Standardization (ISO)-compliant microchip implanted prior to

entering the United States, then that chip can be scanned and recorded. If the dog is

not microchipped or does not have an ISO-compliant microchip, then an ISO

microchip must be implanted after arrival just prior to bathing, and the chip scanned

and confirmed at that time. This information must be entered onto the Dog Import

Record that will ultimately be uploaded into eFile when completed.

What happens if the individual bathing the dog does not have a microchip scanner to scan the

chip just prior to bathing?

If the individual bathing the dog(s) does not have a microchip scanner, then the

importer will need to provide them with one so that the chip can be verified and

recorded before dogs are bathed. Please remember that dogs must be bathed at the

post-entry point(s) of concentration within 2 calendar days of arriving in the United

States.

What shampoo needs to be used for the bath?

Any shampoo is acceptable; there is no specific type of shampoo that must be used.

Does the bathing need to be performed at a vet clinic or groomer?
No. The bathing needs to be performed at the U.S. post-entry point of concentration

(the first location to which the dogs are directly moved after arrival in the United

States). The bathing could be performed at any suitable location or facility, by any

individual.

Dogs in a shipment do not all go together to a single location after arrival. How should that be

handled?

Regardless of where each individual dog is taken after arrival, the animal must be

bathed within 2 calendar days of arrival in the United States. The importer of record

will be responsible for obtaining the required documentation and signatures from the

bather(s) to submit to APHIS via eFile within 2 business days of the animal(s) arrival

in the United States.

How do I submit the completed documents to APHIS?

The Dog Import Record will contain guidance on how to submit the completed

documents to APHIS. This will be the responsibility of the importer of record, and the

documents will need to be uploaded into eFile in the corresponding permit

authorization.

Who can I contact for more information?

For general questions related to the import of a live animal:

Live Animal Import and Export

Email: laie@usda.gov

Phone: 301-851-3300